Pre-hospital medicine: South Africa vs. the United Kingdom

In an introductory overview, the differences and similarities between emergency medicine in South Africa (SA) and the United Kingdom (UK), predominantly in the paramedical area of practice, are explored. The author discussed areas of interest, as well as a potential future direction. The current article focuses on the more prevalent similarities and differences identified. However, it is worth noting that not all trusts and/or organisations work identically regardless of country-specific differences. The author is a paramedic rescuer by background with over 12 years of experience in the medical field, and has lectured for 5 years. He has worked operationally and lectured in both SA and the UK; the discussion in the current article arises as a result of the differences he has encountered during his experience.